Beyond Yoga Poses
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

Beyond Yoga Poses

“If yoga practice [insert your mindful movement here, Pilates, qigong, nature walks] doesn’t make you a better person, why do it?” I once had a yoga teacher ask me this and I’ve never forgotten it. I was a gymnast through middle and high school and began yoga once that seemed too dangerous, but it was and is the mental and spiritual benefits that keep me coming back to my practice.

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26 Ways to Find Your Calm in 2026
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

26 Ways to Find Your Calm in 2026

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, finding calm isn't about escaping reality—it's about building an inner refuge you can return to again and again. The good news? Calm isn't something you have to chase. It's something you cultivate, one small practice at a time.

Here are 26 ways to nurture your peace and resilience this year—because when you feel calm, you make the world a more peaceful place.

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Yoga in the Wild
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

Yoga in the Wild

My nephew recently graduated from college. He went to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, so we went down to help him celebrate with his family. It is an exciting time to see his promise and potential, and we drove home on Skyline Drive. Taking the scenic route home reminded me that we do not have to go far to have wonderful experiences. This summer, celebrate with the Yoga Center. If you are traveling somewhere near or far, snap a pic of yourself in a yoga pose, then follow and tag us on social media. We are @The Yoga Center of Columbia on Facebook and @Columbiayoga on Instagram.

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Steadfast and Strong in Spring
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

Steadfast and Strong in Spring

“I am beginning to despair and can see only two choices: either go crazy or turn holy.”

― Adélia Prado, The Alphabet in the Park: Selected Poems

What does yoga practice have to offer us in times of great chaos? Among other things, stability, grounding, connection, will power, and perspective.

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The Breath of Life
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

The Breath of Life

“You are not lazy, you are wintering”. These are the words of Donna Ashworth, helping us to recognize that the colder and shorter days of winter tend to lure us under a cozy blanket after feasting on a steaming bowl of stew. Winter is a time for deeper introspection, a time to slow down, hibernate and to learn to be still.

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25 Ways to Reduce Stress
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

25 Ways to Reduce Stress

In today's fast-paced world, stress management isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. As we embrace the new year, let's explore evidence-based strategies to reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing, and yes! We can help with most of them. From early morning rituals to evening wind-down practices, these 25 approaches will help you build resilience and find peace in your daily life.

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Slow Down for a Serene Summer
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

Slow Down for a Serene Summer

In the heart of summer, as the days stretch long and the air fills with the scent of blooming life, there’s a natural invitation to slow our pace and breathe more deeply. At the Yoga Center of Columbia, we recognize that slowing down is not just a seasonal suggestion, but a profound practice that enriches our well-being and deepens our understanding of self.

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